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Palo Duro Canyon State Park

4.8(11,215)State Park

About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located in Canyon, Texas 79015, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a dramatic natural landscape centered around a big ravine with 800-foot cliffs. Holding an impressive 4.8-star rating from more than 11,000 Google reviews, this remarkable destination provides expansive, scenic views filled with distinctive rocks, shrubs, and local wildlife. Guests can take advantage of practical amenities, including campsites for overnight stays and a wide network of multi-use trails. Popular hiking paths include the Lighthouse trail, the Givens trail, and the Upper Comanche trail, giving adventurers miles of rugged terrain to explore.

Beyond the trails, the park features a welcoming Visitor Center with a museum detailing the area's history, alongside exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Visitors can also experience unique live entertainment at the park's outdoor amphitheater, which serves as the setting for the musical "Texas." Because the open trails offer very little shade for resting, visitors are reminded to pack plenty of water for their excursions. Whether travelers are pitching a tent for a multi-night camping trip or simply taking in the breathtaking cliffside views, this state park delivers a memorable outdoor getaway.

Reviews

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Mahmut Usta

2 months ago

5.0

Of course smaller than Grand Canyon but still worth it. Ton of good view to see. You should come in not rainy cold season for complete most of the trails I believe because you can’t find shade for rest. Don’t forget your water any time. Definitely visit again for more trail and that scenic views. Everything was so clean and you can find restrooms in every corner l.

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Carter Jergensen

8 months ago

5.0

Holy cow this was fantastic, I will be coming back. The rocks the shrubs wildlife and just overall experience was ok phenomenal. I camped for 2 nights and did around 30 miles of hiking in that time it was great I highly recommend the lighthouse trail into the givens trail as well as the upper commanche especially if you have the time. Don't sit at your campsite this place is beautiful don't waste your time.

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Ashi

3 months ago

5.0

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is absolutely breathtaking. The views are incredible, and photos truly do not do them justice. This is one of those places you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. The park staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit. We hiked the famous Lighthouse Trail in late February and had a great experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the trail has very little shade. We brought our dog in February, and even then it got pretty hot for him. I would be very cautious about bringing dogs during the summer months, especially later in the day. The park also gets quite busy after about 10 a.m., so arriving early is a good idea. We originally came for the hiking, but we enjoyed the park so much that we're already planning to come back and camp this fall. A must-see destination and one of the most beautiful places we've visited in Texas. Highly recommend!

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Marilou Telchik

a month ago

5.0

We had enjoyed so much visiting this State Park! So beautiful we will come back again someday! We need at least a week to explore and hike in fall or spring better next time. 😃

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Brian West

a month ago

5.0

Palo Duro Canyon completely exceeded our expectations. Even after exploring so much of Texas during our Texas Manifesto Expedition, this place still managed to surprise us. The canyon almost sneaks up on you. One moment you're driving across the Panhandle, and the next you're standing on the rim of one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state. Without question, Palo Duro Canyon is among the most beautiful places we've visited in Texas, and that's saying something considering we've covered thousands of miles across the state. What impressed us just as much as the scenery were the people. Every staff member we encountered at the visitor centers and park stops was friendly, welcoming, and eager to answer questions or point us in the right direction. That kind of hospitality always leaves a lasting impression. We found the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, where we could spread out, relax, and soak in the incredible views. It was peaceful, quiet, and felt like we had a little corner of Texas all to ourselves. Those are the moments you remember long after the trip is over. Yes, the Texas summer heat was doing what Texas summer heat does, but that's all part of the experience. Bring plenty of water, take your time, and you'll be rewarded with scenery that's unlike anywhere else in the state. If you've never been to Palo Duro Canyon, move it to the top of your Texas bucket list. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, taking photographs, or simply standing on the rim taking it all in, it's one of those places that reminds you just how vast, rugged, and beautiful Texas really is. We'll absolutely be back. There are still trails to hike, overlooks to discover, and another picnic waiting somewhere beneath those magnificent canyon walls. 🌄🤠🥾